Law Office of Scott A. Nelson, P.C.

The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) applies to persons, including passengers, when the death is caused by a wrongful act on the high seas beyond a marine league from the shore of all states, dependencies and territories of the United States.  DOHSA does not apply to deaths on the Great Lakes or the rivers or lakes within the country.  All suits under DOHSA must be brought in admiralty.  The statute of limitations for DOHSA lawsuits is now three years.    DOHSA actions may only be brought by the decedent’s personal representative, for the exclusive benefit of the decedent’s parent, child, spouse, or “dependent relative.”  Children, parents and the spouse do not have to prove dependency to recover.